Effect of Sediment Movement at Tidal Mud Flat on the Eelgrass Community Formation Zostera japonica

Abstract

Investigation on the eelgrass Zostera japonica was conducted in order to collect scientific information for restoration of Z. japonica communities in tidal flats in urban coastal areas. The growth and survival properties of the Z. japonica and the environmental conditions were monitored at an existing eelgrass for several years. The morphological data has been showing a long-term tendency of rising due to accumulation of bed material, however, it was also observed that the movements of sediment were significant due to turbulence in bottom current. The formation of flowering shoot as well as the seed originated reproduction was considered to be prevented by the morphological disturbances. This suggested that the morphological control must be necessary to enhance the shoot growth and to preserve their seedlings.